Speed was to blame in a Friday night multi-vehicle accident on westbound Interstate 90 in Bellevue, according to the Washington State Patrol, resulting in three motorists sent to the hospital and one still in serious condition.
The WSP reported a 57-year-old Renton woman was speeding in a Mazda M2 on westbound I-90 as she approached the I-405 interchange near milepost 10. She crashed into the rear of a Toyota Echo ahead of her at 5:27 p.m. as the car slowed for traffic ahead. The collision then pushed the Toyota into the HOV lanes where it was struck by a black Ford F-150 pickup truck, totalling the compact car.
WSDOT reported that the accident briefly shut down all westbound lanes of Interstate 90 for about 15 minutes during the Friday evening rushhour, causing a backup of several miles. Two lanes remained closed until shortly before 8 p.m.
Both drivers in the inital collision were transported to Harborview Medical Center, and the motorist suspected of causing the accident was later discharged.
The Toyota driver, Renton resident Beth Anne Levin, 25, is currently listed in serious condition.
The driver of the truck, 45-year-old Issaquah resident Deborah Lee O'Brien, was transported to Overlake Hospital in Bellevue. She was later discharged.
Washington State Patrol trooper Sarah Denman said all three drivers were wearing their seatbelts, and alcohol was not a factor in the crash.
No charges have yet been filed in the accident, which remains under investigation.
